Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, made a visit to the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, urging the party to provide him with the certificate of return for the governorship election. Despite Asue Ighodalo being officially declared the winner of the primary election, Shaibu insists that he won the parallel PDP governorship candidate position for the state. While Asue was already presented with the certificate of return, Shaibu, on Wednesday, demanded the same recognition, emphasizing that he was elected through an authentic process. The deputy governor expressed confidence in the court's decision to determine the rightful winner. Shaibu emphasized that he was chosen by the legitimate delegates, highlighting the grassroots connection that sets him apart from Asue Ighodalo. He warned that if PDP opposes his candidacy, it could jeopardize the party's chances in Edo State, as the people prefer a familiar and relatable candidate.
Shaibu's visit to the PDP headquarters came as part of his ongoing assertion that he is the genuine flagbearer for the party in Edo State. He reiterated that he was elected by authentic delegates and emphasized the importance of discerning who supported Asue Ighodalo and who backed him in the primary election. In an interview on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily, Shaibu underscored the grassroots understanding that sets him apart from Asue, suggesting that Edo people want a candidate they can connect with on a personal level.
The deputy governor laid out the options for PDP, suggesting that contesting his candidacy would be detrimental to the party's prospects in Edo State. He expressed confidence that if the party aligns with his candidacy, the support of the other eight aspirants would follow suit. However, Shaibu warned that supporting Ighodalo could make winning Edo State for PDP uncertain, as he believes the people would not accept Ighodalo as their governor.
The situation reflects the internal dynamics and contestations within the PDP in Edo State, with Shaibu standing firm on his claim to the governorship candidacy and seeking formal recognition through the certificate of return. The ultimate resolution may depend on legal processes and internal party decisions.